72,000 euros

Company boss allegedly diverted coronavirus aid

Did the coronavirus aid for a car dealership even end up in the boss's private savings account? A 26-year-old man is said to have pocketed the money intended for the preservation of the company in Upper Austria. Why this came to light in the first place has to do with a dispute within the company.

When two people quarrel, the investigators are happy! Because the boss of a car dealership in Enns has been "at loggerheads" with his co-owner for around four years, it came to light that coronavirus aid money was allegedly used not to maintain the company, but for the 26-year-old's own needs. A total of 72,000 euros was allegedly paid out to the car dealership as aid during the pandemic. And which the company boss allegedly bypassed his colleague and put into his own pocket.

Up to three years in prison
The accused says that he did indeed use the money for the company, but the results of the police investigation were enough for the public prosecutor's office to bring charges of embezzlement. Because the alleged loss exceeds the €5,000 limit, the company boss faces up to three years in prison. The lay judges will have to decide next Friday - at least until then, the presumption of innocence applies.